1. Flexible Training Solutions Key issues and recommendations

2. Learning theme focus Joint project with FSO1 and 3. First phase in a research programme Understand barriers to delivering flexible training and identify solutions. Acknowledge but not dwell on well rehearsed systemic problems of funding and qualifications. Focus on what is working and why.

3. Learning theme process Discussions with Steering Group on focus Literature review Facilitated online discussion Interviews and case studies Workshop Final report and recommendations Definition of Phase 2 research project

4. Recommendations Funding Marketing Partnerships/brokerage Skills and competencies Provision

5. Maximise flexible funding sources Maximise use of ESF and non college based funding to support flexible provision Build capacity of colleges to access and use funds flexibly Government agencies encouraged to use flexible funding streams to support innovative flexible provision

6. Review and simplify funding systems Reduce and manage bureaucracy Longer time horizons Funding linked to softer outcomes and those activities more relevant to flexible provision Better understanding of real cost and impact of courses

7. Funding to recognise the costs of relationship building Relationship building with employers and important first step Relationships need o be maintained Activities have a cost but not recognised in funding regimes Cost of contact, assessment need to be included

8. Level playing field for private providers Aspects of GTA funding models are useful Find ways of putting purchasing power in the hands of employers Some useful lessons from ILAs

9. Improve market intelligence Providers (particularly colleges) recognised need to improve market intelligence. Improve access to employers not currently served Need up to date business register and business analysis

10. Review effectiveness of links with employers Providers need to review organisation of their business links - are dedicated business units necessarily the right approach? How well are services integrated across the provider organisations? Better knowledge of business cycle and needs Use of honest brokers and relationship building

11. Improve marketing techniques Build on good practice in the private sector. More proactive development work with clients Investment in client focused systems Outsourcing marketing to other agencies - Business Links? Improve capacity within colleges

12. Improve partnership arrangements Establish partnerships between public and private sector providers Enhance signposting services Build on best practice GTA models are useful Use partnerships to promote flexible funding

13. Develop and support brokerage services Brokerage services appear to be a successful models which could be further replicated. Help to share the “contact” process with employers. Better clarity of role of such services and signposting of services.

14. Support and encourage business networking Use existing networks to promote learning services Build on emerging SSC network Encourage consortia of small business to support economies of scale and provide focus for training need

15. Share best practice Raise awareness of regional and local best practice between training providers and projects. Updated and searchable database of providers and projects including areas of expertise.

16. Skills of staff Improve tutor training and CPD to equip to work with employers More use of secondments Corp of part time tutors with business/industry links Support training of workplace tutors

17. Provision Modular provision with improved cross matching of units across awarding bodies Complementary progression routes across providers Rurality Niche market needs Use of college certificates in place of quals